Tricky away tie for holders

HOLDERS Chelsea were handed an away tie against lower-league opposition in the draw for the FA Cup fourth round.

The Blues, who hammered fellow top-flight side Southampton 5-1 to reach this stage, will visit either League Two Southend or Brentford of League One in the next phase after their 2-2 draw at Roots Hall on Saturday.

Premier League champions Manchester City were also handed a potentially tough away-day assignment against the winners of the replay between Championship side Crystal Palace and Stoke, who lost 1-0 to City in the 2011 final.

Non-league Luton’s reward for their victory over Wolves is a trip to Carrow Road to face Premier League Norwich, with Newcastle’s conquerors Brighton welcoming the winners of the replay between Swansea and Arsenal to the Amex Stadium.

There were no guaranteed all-Premier League matches in the draw, although one or two are in the pipeline after West Ham or Manchester United were pitted against either Fulham or Blackpool, while Sunderland and Everton could meet if they can overcome Bolton and Cheltenham respectively.

Tottenham face a potentially tricky away trip to Championship opposition, with the winners of the replay between Leeds and Birmingham lying in wait. Aston Villa are also on the road to play Millwall.

Reading entertain Sheffield United, while QPR or West Brom, who drew 1-1 at Loftus Road, will battle for the right to host Sheffield Wednesday or MK Dons in their replay.

Two all-Championship ties see Huddersfield Town host Leicester City and Derby County welcome Blackburn Rovers, while Aldershot are away to Middlesbrough and Barnsley take on the winners of the replay between Hull and Leyton Orient.